Pokémon GO Takes Over Busch Gardens

TAMPA, FL — Pokémon GO players have a new place to meet up and catch ‘em all courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The theme park has announced its intent to become the “ultimate Pokémon GO’ destination this summer.

Starting Tuesday, July 26, and running through Aug. 7, the park is inviting Pokémon trainers to take advantage of the park’s expansive landscape to add to their collections, meet members of their teams and enjoy game-inspired drinks, food and more. Players are also encouraged to wear their team colors.

According to the park, more than 50 lure modules will be activated in such areas of the property as Jungala, Edge of Africa, Stanleyville, Egypt and Pantopia. Team hubs are also being set up as follows:

• Valor – Garden Gate Café and Gwazi Gifts
• Mystic – Dragon Fire Grill and Painted Camel
• Instinct – Serengeti Overlook Restaurant & Pub and Cheetah Gifts

Pokémon GO-related events will take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 5 and 9 p.m. daily through Aug. 7 at the 10165 N. McKinley Drive park in Tampa. Pass members will also be able to visit seven exclusive PokeStops this weekend, July 30-31, between the hours of 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.

To take advantage of the Pokémon GO festivities, park visitors do need to pay for admission. For more details about tickets, check out the park’s summer specials.

Although Busch Gardens is opening its doors to those with Pokémon fever, it does remind guests that safety is the top priority.

“We ask that you continue to follow all posted safety guidelines and procedures, including not entering restricted areas,” park officials said in a statement.

For those not in the know, the game works by having players move through the real world. As they do, their smartphones vibrate to let them know when a Pokémon is near.

Players then throw a PokéBall to catch it and add it to their PokéDex. The game uses a smartphone’s GPS and camera to turn the real world into a gigantic scavenger hunt. As players collect fictional creatures, they can use the Pokémon in their collections to battle other players.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay